Tables are almost certainly one of the essential furniture items. We eat off them, put drinks on them, stand televisions on them etc. Generally if something in your house needs to go on something, it ends up on a table.
Tables are not just a flat top on legs, they are so much more. They’re available in a range of shapes, sizes, materials and styles, there’ssomething for every purpose and a table for every room. Keeping in mind all the types of table available will allow you to make smart choices when fitting out your home or office.
You’d be hard pressed to find another material that’s as timeless or as versatile as wood. It is inherently warm, has beautiful grain patterns and is naturally durable. As a furniture construction medium, it doesn’t matter if your working at the rustic/reclaimed end of the scale or the modern/contemporary, wood is a great option.
The beauty of wood also lies in its versatility. A skilled carpenter can create pretty much any design you could imagine. Keeping in mind the different styles of wooden table design will enable you to make the best choice for your circumstances.
It is also satisfying to create your own table from your own design, that way you are in total control of the outcome. Give our free to use design tool a try and make your dream table.
Dining tables are the heart of a home
The dining room is usually devoid of other distractions and is where the family spends time talking to each other, so for many, this is the source of fond memories.
Ideal for larger families and formal dining rooms, rectangular dining tables are what you would expect to see in most people’s dining rooms. The shape tends to fit better in the average shaped room.
Round dining tables are harder to cater for because most rooms have straight walls, but they do promote conversation and intimacy as everyone is equidistant from the center.
Oval dining tables combine the softened edges of a round table with the increased seating capacity of a rectangular one, a great choice for narrow dining rooms.
Square dining tables are normally only found in extremely compact rooms, at least in residential spaces, and are more common in restaurants where a more intimate arrangement is often expected.
Pedestal designs are supported by a central pillar, they can be any shape of table top but are generally round or oval. The lack of traditional legs gives increased leg room.
Many of the above shapes and types are available with some sort of extendable section, from the simple lift up flap to intricate mechanisms to expand the available area and seating capacity.
Living room essentials
The living room or lounge is where a lot of our leisure time is spent so tables that facilitate those endeavours are favoured.
Coffee tables are the obvious place to start, knee height so you can put items at a comfortable distance when you are sitting on the sofa. Some people use this handy height as a foot rest but we couldn’t possibly advocate such a thing!
End/side/accent tables are all small tables placed at the end of a sofa or beside armchairs, they provide a convenient surface for a lamp, drink or book. Excellent for adding a touch of personal style, often chosen for their unique design or material.
Nesting tables are a set of two or more tables of graduated sizes that can be tucked away one beneath the other. They are highly space-efficient and can be pulled out as needed for extra surface area, making them perfect for small apartments or versatile living spaces.
Drink tables (martini tables) are very small, often slender tables designed specifically to hold a single drink. They are a stylish and minimalist solution for tight spaces where a larger end table would be too cumbersome.
Practicality and comfort in the bedroom
Tables in the bedroom prioritize convenience and personal organization.
Bedside tables/nightstands are essential for holding items you need within reach from bed, such as a lamp, alarm clock, book or phone. They often come with drawers or shelves for storage.
Dressing tables are a traditional staple, featuring a flat surface, often with drawers, and typically paired with a mirror and stool.
Enhancing the productivity of a workspace
In a world increasingly working from home, dedicated workspaces and their accompanying tables are more important than ever.
Desks are the primary table for work, studying or creative pursuits. They come in various sizes and configurations, from simple writing desks to large L-shaped or U-shaped executive desks with extensive storage.
Adjustable-height desks (standing desks/sit-stand desks) are a type of furniture that allows users to easily switch between sitting and standing positions, promoting better posture and health during long workdays.
Conference tables are large tables designed for meetings, collaborations, and presentations in offices or meeting rooms.
Workbenches are sturdy, often heavy-duty tables designed for hands-on tasks, assembly, repairs, and various crafts; they are common in workshops, garages, and industrial settings.
Specialized tables have niche functions and unique designs
Beyond the main categories, many tables cater to specific needs or offer unique design elements.
Bar/pub tables can be taller than standard dining tables, designed to be used with bar stools. Ideal for casual dining, entertaining, or creating a breakfast bar area in a kitchen.
Picnic tables, often made from wood or metal, with attached benches, designed for outdoor dining and casual gatherings in parks, gardens or patios.
Folding tables are highly portable and space-saving and can be folded flat for easy storage when not in use, perfect for occasional setups, extra guests or outdoor events.
Drop-leaf tables feature hinged sections on one or both sides that can be folded down when not needed, reducing the table’s footprint, a great solution for small spaces or rooms with multiple uses.
Gateleg tables, a type of drop-leaf table where the hinged leaves are supported by hinged legs that swing out like a gate.
More than just furniture
From the grand dining table that hosts family feasts to the humble bedside table that holds your nightly reading material, tables are integral to how we live, work and socialise.
Since they are normally a relatively simple shape, they often fit into multiple spaces. Choosing the right table is about more than just filling a space; it’s about finding the best solution for your requirements.
